The University of Toronto Varsity Blues volleyball teams travelled to Guelph for their 2008-09 OUA season openers on Friday, October 24th.

The men’s team recorded their first regular season victory, a 3-1 (25-22, 25-21, 22-25, 25-19) decision over the host Gryphons.

Fifth-year veteran Jessi Lelliott (Kelowna, B.C.) led the Blues in four close games, tallying 13 kills and 12 digs, while 2007-08 all-Canadian Steven Kung (North York, Ont.) added 10 kills and six digs.

In earlier women’s action, the Blues narrowly fell to the Gryphons 3-2 (25-15, 23-25, 25-17, 27-29, 13-15).

Fourth-year arts and science student Heather Bansley (Waterdown, Ont.) had a phenomenal game, leading all players with 22 kills and 24 digs. Third-year setter Dana Collins (Sudbury, Ont.) kept the offence flowing for the Blues, recording 52 assists.
Dianne Burrows had 11 kills and 16 digs while Caley Venn added 15 kills in the loss.

The Varsity Blues men’s and women’s volleyball teams take on the McMaster Marauders on Saturday, October 25 in Hamilton. The women get underway at 6 p.m. with the men to follow at 8 p.m.